Indian cricket star Shardul Thakur has sounded a warning to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), urging a critical review of the scheduling and structure of the prestigious Ranji Trophy. Thakur’s plea comes on the heels of his remarkable performance, including a maiden first-class century in the semi-final against Tamil Nadu. The cricketer raised concerns about the current tournament format, citing potential injury risks and the need for more breaks between matches.
Shardul Thakur’s Warning: A Call for Change:
Speaking to reporters after his stellar knock in the semi-final, Shardul Thakur highlighted the rigorous schedule faced by domestic players in the Ranji Trophy. He emphasized the unprecedented challenge of playing First-Class matches with only three-day gaps, leading to concerns about the physical toll on players. Thakur stressed the importance of reevaluating the fixture structure to prevent a surge in injuries across the country.
“If the boys keep playing like this for two more seasons, there will be a lot of injuries across the country,” warned Thakur, signaling the urgency for BCCI to address the scheduling issues.
Rethinking the Schedule: Challenges Faced by Domestic Players:
Thakur reminisced about the earlier Ranji Trophy format, where the initial games had longer breaks, gradually shortening as the tournament progressed. He expressed concern about the current scenario, where all matches are played with just three-day gaps, making it exceptionally challenging for players. Thakur suggested a reevaluation of the scheduling, especially if teams advance to the final stages, to reduce the risk of injuries and ensure the well-being of domestic players.
Shardul’s Stellar Performance: Putting Mumbai on Top:
Despite the concerns raised, Shardul Thakur showcased his prowess on the field, putting Mumbai in a commanding position during the semi-final. His remarkable knock of 109 runs in just 105 balls not only rescued Mumbai after a top-order collapse but also secured a significant first-inning lead of 207 runs at stumps on Day 2.
The BCCI now faces the task of addressing Thakur’s concerns and reassessing the Ranji Trophy schedule to balance the competition’s intensity with the players’ physical well-being.
